Springboks make three late changes ahead of All Blacks Test
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Late changes.
The Springboks have made three late changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town.
Rassie Erasmus has reshuffled his entire front row, with Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp and Thomas du Toit all promoted to the starting side.
Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche and Wilco Louw have switched to the replacements bench.
The Springboks confirmed the changes shortly before the clash at DHL Stadium, announcing:
“Changes to the Bok team to face the All Blacks in Cape Town will see Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Thomas du Toit start the match in the front row, while Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, and Wilco Louw will switch to the replacements bench.”
The changes mean Fourie will start at hooker, with Steenekamp packing down at loosehead and Du Toit at tighthead.
It is the latest reshuffle to the Springbok team since Erasmus initially named his side for the second Test.
Handre Pollard was ruled out on Friday after suffering a calf injury in training, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu promoted from the bench to start at fly-half and Manie Libbok drafted into the matchday 23.
Cheslin Kolbe was also restored to the starting XV after recovering from the injury he suffered in last weekend’s 33-16 defeat at Ellis Park, replacing Kurt-Lee Arendse.
Siya Kolisi had initially been bracketed with Paul de Villiers when the team was announced but was subsequently cleared to start and captain the side.
The latest changes come just hours before South Africa attempt to level the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
